What symptoms are associated with low blood pressure?

• Blurry vision.
• Confusion.
• Dizziness.
• Fainting (syncope)
• Lightheadedness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Sleepiness.
• Weakness.

A network of blood vessels carries the blood to and from the heart to the rest of the body, and if the volume of blood being pumped becomes low due to certain reasons, it causes hypotension resulting in a lack of adequate oxygen and nutrition. Even as the signs of low blood pressure are not always obvious, many otherwise healthy people can have hypotension because of this. There are several medical reasons that lead to low blood pressure including:

Fluctuations in blood pressure is not abnormal during pregnancies since the body's circulatory system undergoes expansion and there are changes to the production of certain hormones, and low blood pressure is common at this time. It returns to normal soon after delivery, but may require medical attention if it causes more severe symptoms.

A healthy heart is capable of offsetting any drop in blood pressure by pumping an additional amount once it receives a signal from the brain. Heart attacks, arterial blockage in the heart or heart valve concerns render the heart incapable of supplying a more constant blood flow and may cause low blood pressure.

The endocrine system affects several signalling mechanisms in a healthy body, and an imbalance in its production of hormones can cause a drop in blood pressure. Thyroid and insulin conditions are often cited as causes of low blood pressure.

A lack of nutrients such as vitamin B-12, iron, omega 2 &3 fatty acids and folate in the body results in a drop of production of red blood cells, affecting the blood's ability to carry sufficient oxygen. A low blood pressure diet is often prescribed to counter any symptoms and works effectively in a majority of cases.

The kidneys maintain a sufficient balance of nutrients and water to aid blood flow. However, kidney disease resulting in either dehydration or overhydration can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes and constriction of blood vessels causing impediment to blood flow.

A rare but recognized cause of low blood pressure is shock arising from severe infection and results from the infection entering the bloodstream.

There are several types of hypotension. Low blood pressure is categorized according to when it happens and what’s causing it.

Orthostatic hypotension (also known as postural hypotension) is the drop in blood pressure that occurs when you move from sitting or lying down to standing.

As your body adjusts to the position change, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. This is what some people refer to as “seeing stars” when they get up.

Orthostatic hypotension is the most common form of low blood pressure. It can affect people of all ages, but it’s especially common in older adults. Aging and pregnancy can also cause an overall lowering of blood pressure.

Conditions affecting the autonomic nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease and diabetes, can often lead to orthostatic hypotension. This form of low blood pressure affects 30 to 50 percent of people with Parkinson’s disease, and about 30 percent of people with diabetes.

Postprandial hypotension is a drop in blood pressure that occurs after eating. According to a 2010 review, low blood pressure after eating is more common in older adults and people with autonomic dysfunction.

Blood pressure is a balancing act between your nervous system and other bodily systems (like your hormones and organs). Neurally mediated hypotension happens when there is an abnormal reflex interaction between the heart and the brain.

Causes of neurally mediated hypotension include:

A severe drop in blood pressure can occur during shock. Shock can happen if you experience a serious injury or infection.

During shock, your organs do not get the blood and oxygen they need to function properly. Severe hypotension can be life threatening if not treated quickly.